logo
Maluleke backs Mofokeng for top PSL award amid fierce debate

Maluleke backs Mofokeng for top PSL award amid fierce debate

The Citizen7 days ago
"I still say Mofokeng (to win Footballer of the Season) but I think Player's Player of the Season will go to Lucas Ribeiro," Maluleke said.
Orlando Pirates sensation Relebohile Mofokeng is in contention for the prestigious 2024–25 PSL Footballer of the Season award. © Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
As the debate intensifies over who deserves to be named the 2024/25 PSL Footballer of the Season, former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Ishmael Maluleke supports Orlando Pirates sensation Relebohile Mofokeng.
On Tuesday afternoon, the PSL confirmed the nominees for the prestigious award, with Mofokeng earning recognition after a stellar campaign that saw him help the Buccaneers lift the MTN8 title and finish second in the Betway Premiership.
ALSO READ: Pirates respond to report linking Mofokeng with move to PSV
Sundowns talisman Lucas Ribeiro and Sekhukhune United's revitalized forward Keletso Makgalwa join him on the shortlist.
Maluleke, the 2001/02 PSL Golden Boot winner with 18 goals, believes Mofokeng deserves the crown.
'I still say Mofokeng (to win Footballer of the Season) but I think Player's Player of the Season will go to Lucas Ribeiro,' Maluleke told Thabiso Mosia on Radio 2000.
'For Keletso, as much as he did well but when you look at where his team was (could count against him), all those things play an important role.
'You must influence the team as well and not only what you do as an individual. He has done well for his club Sekhukhune United in terms of assists and scoring goals which made him influential for his team.
'When you look at Mofokeng, he played a crucial role. He was so dynamic, influential and creative. Lots of goals that came from him and assists. No one is surprised by how much Ribeiro did for Mamelodi Sundowns.'
ALSO READ: OPINION: Why was Rayners snubbed for top PSL Awards?
SABC Sport and SuperSport will broadcast the PSL Awards ceremony live on 29 July at 7pm, where they will crown South Africa's new football king.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Orlando Pirates news: Mofokeng price tag, MTN8 fitness doubts
Orlando Pirates news: Mofokeng price tag, MTN8 fitness doubts

The South African

time3 hours ago

  • The South African

Orlando Pirates news: Mofokeng price tag, MTN8 fitness doubts

Orlando Pirates may be counting the cost of their European pre-season. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has hinted that several players are carrying knocks, just weeks out from the MTN8 Cup. Although he didn't reveal names, Ouaddou's vague injury update has sparked concern. 'The game is played by young men,' he told local media. 'Swelling and niggles are normal.' The injuries could prove disruptive, with Pirates set to face Polokwane City in the tournament's quarter-finals. The match will also be a test for new signings like Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi, should they be fit to feature. The bigger distraction, however, remains the future of Relebohile Mofokeng. PSV are the latest club pushing hard to sign the Orlando Pirates wonderkid. And the numbers being discussed are staggering. 'The R100 million talk is misleading,' a source said. 'It was initially R120 million.' That hasn't stopped interest, nor has it silenced Mofokeng's father. Sechaba Mofokeng made it clear he doesn't want his son playing in South Africa next season. 'Spain, England, Netherlands — Rele can play anywhere. But not Saudi Arabia. He needs to experience UEFA football,' he said. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.

New Orlando Pirates signing will 'die' on the field
New Orlando Pirates signing will 'die' on the field

The South African

time4 hours ago

  • The South African

New Orlando Pirates signing will 'die' on the field

Orlando Pirates have signed a gem. Kamogelo Sebelebele's former TS Galaxy coach Adnan Beganović has said the winger earned his big break and insists the Buccaneers are getting a complete player both on and off the pitch. The Tembisa-born player's development under Beganović at TS Galaxy culminated in a breakout 2024/25 season, during which he made 29 appearances, scored five goals, and delivered two assists. His progress has been rapid, and his elevation to one of the most exciting prospects in South African football is, according to Beganović, no accident. Update on Kaizer Chiefs and Nigerian striker New Orlando Pirates winger Kamogelo Sebelebele in Bafana Bafana colours. Image: CosafaTV 'He deserves to sign that contract because he has been with Galaxy for five years. He is an amazing human being, and the next step for him is to join a club like Orlando Pirates,' Beganović told Sowetan . Kaizer Chiefs news: R70 million income and experienced number six 'He made a good decision to join Pirates because he can still improve there; everything he needs is present. I believe he will get ample game time because he is a complete soccer player… I firmly believe he will excel. 'He's a good player with the right attitude… He deserves that, again he adds value to the team… Tired or not tired, he'll die on the field up until the last whistle. I'm happy for Kamogelo, he deserves this move to be honest,' the Serbian mentor concluded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Orlando Pirates news: Key injuries, Mofokeng saga escalates
Orlando Pirates news: Key injuries, Mofokeng saga escalates

The South African

time5 hours ago

  • The South African

Orlando Pirates news: Key injuries, Mofokeng saga escalates

Orlando Pirates are facing uncertainty ahead of their MTN8 Cup opener against Polokwane City, with injuries potentially impacting their squad selection. New head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou confirmed players picked up knocks during their Spanish tour, where the team debuted several new signings. 'It is expected that there will be some minor injuries and swelling in various players since football is played by young men,' said Ouaddou. The extent of the injuries remains unknown, but Ouaddou's comments hint that several key players could be sidelined when the Buccaneers kick off their cup campaign on August 2. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting around Relebohile Mofokeng's future, with Dutch heavyweights PSV leading the chase. Talks are reportedly centred around a figure higher than the R100 million figure circulating, with the original valuation closer to R120 million. Mofokeng's father, Sechaba, is praying the deal happens before the season starts. 'I don't want to see him in the Betway Premiership again this season. I know God will answer my prayers,' he told local media. Sechaba wants his son playing in UEFA competitions. 'Take him to Barcelona? He can play. PSG? He can play. Any country. I'll be happy — but not Saudi Arabia,' he said. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store